Thematic Paradigm

Professor Robert Ray explains the contribution of American film in depicting trends and ideals in culture in his essay "thematic model." Ray explores the general characteristics of American film, namely, heroes. According to Ray, in American films, there are two types of heroes: the official hero, who is more family oriented, and the outlaw hero, who is more individualistic. He often defines the reluctant hero, who is always averse to taking action (Ray). Despite the contrasting identities that they represent in the films, the ideals and values of the various forms of heroes have had distinct effects in culture. The author's view of the heroic characters in American movies is correct and makes a good judgment on how film reflects society through heroin personalities.
The different heroic personas are vividly portrayed in various American films. For instance, an outlaw heroic persona is described in the movie “Con Air.” Nicholas cage, the hero in the film, observes that “somehow they managed to get every creep and freak in the universe on this plane (West).” Since cage is among the criminals on the plane, his characteristic is viewed as that of an outlaw hero. His character is portraying that of a dangerous criminal, but he somehow manages to save some of the prison warders and crash lands the hijacked plane full of convicts. Also, in the film, “12 monkeys,” (Gilliam)Bruce Willis who is a prisoner is selected to travel back in time to get the cure for the deadly virus that is almost wiping out humanity.
The American film industry has been inspired by the American social culture hence their use of repeated American heroes. For instance, in the film, “Die Hard,” (McTiernan) john McLane features as a reluctant hero whose only interest was to celebrate Christmas Eve with his family. He is, however, drawn to action by Hans Gruber who is a former West German radical political group. Consequently, the film “commando,” (Lester)Arnold Schwarzenegger fulfill the reconciliatory pattern of success that I expected of a hero by defeating the alien. By creating contrasting characters for both the hero and the villain, these American films have achieved fundamental social psychological patterns among American viewers.
Professor Robert ray’s observations of the social influence on American films is correct. Many traditional films set in America often portray both the official hero and the villain. The official hero is often described as being civilized and a family guy. The villain, on the other hand, is portrayed as individualistic. In the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” (Spielberg) Indiana Jones acts as the American hero traveling in various adventures for archeological expeditions. The hero, Indiana Jones travels to South America, Egypt, and Tibet to retrieve the ark of the covenant. The hero in this film portrays heroin characters outsmarting villains portrayed as Nazis. Once again, the audience expects the hero to win in every occasion. Toht, from the film, observes that “You Americans you are all the same Always overdressing for the wrong Occasions (Spielberg).”
In all, Robert ray’s view of the influence of American society on American film industry can be depicted in various movies produced in the past recent times. However, the impact seems to go both ways. Some films, i.e., science fiction movies have also influenced how the American society views futuristic issues such as the apocalypse.



Works Cited
12 Monkeys. Dir. Terry Gilliam. Perf. Bruce Willis. 1995. Universal Pictures.
Commando. Dir. Mark L. Lester. Perf. Arnold Schwarzenegger. 1985. 20th Century Fox.
Con Air. Dir. Simon West. Perf. Nicholas Cage. 1997. Touchstone.
Die Hard. Dir. John McTiernan. Perf. Bruce Willis. 1995. 20th Century Fox.
Raiders of the lost Ark. Dir. Steven Spielberg. Perf. Harrison Ford. 1981. Paramount Pictures.
Ray, Robert B. "The Thematic Paradigm." Np, nd Web (2005).